Bideford gets ready for carnival and massed pipes and drums this weekend

Bideford will be alive with the sights and sounds of the carnival this weekend.

The massed pipes and drums in Bideford. Picture: Graham Hobbs

The annual procession through the town will happen on Saturday, with floats and walkers leaving The Pill at 6pm to loop the town, back to the Quay.

This year's theme is Sci-Fi and anyone who wishes to enter can pick up a form at Morrison's or Radford's newsagents.

After the carnival will be the return of the massed pipes and drums, which will see bands from across the South West marching along the Quay.

Mike Harper, event organiser, said: "This is the biggest gathering of pipe bands in the South West and its increasing popularity has enticed the oldest civilian pipe band in the world, Accrington Pipe Band from Lancashire, to take part this year. Let's hope Bideford gives them a very warm welcome."

The massed pipes and drums event starts at approximately 7.45pm.

Piping in the Park will then take place in Victoria Park on Sunday from 11am.

About North Devon Gazette

First published in 1856 as the Bideford Gazette, the North Devon Gazette is the free newspaper and website for the region, covering a vast area from Hartland in the west to Lynton in the east and to South Molton and Holsworthy in the south.